As cities invest in parking modernization to improve the curbside experience, one key focus has been the installation of multi-space parking meters (MSMs). These meters increase parking efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and improve payment options for drivers. However, determining the optimal placement of these devices remains a challenge for city planners.
Although basic guidelines exist—such as avoiding obstructions near merchant entrances or curb cuts—there's little industry-wide advice on where MSMs should be placed. To address this, cities are increasingly relying on data to make more informed decisions.
Why Multi-Space Meters?
Cities use multi-space meters in combination with pay-by-cell options to enhance convenience and accessibility for all drivers. While pay-by-cell caters to tech-savvy users with smartphones, MSMs serve those without mobile devices, the unbanked, or those who prefer using cash or cards. These meters also provide a reliable backup in case of mobile payment failures, offering an inclusive solution for a wide range of residents.
Beyond accessibility, multi-space meters reduce physical infrastructure clutter by consolidating several parking spaces under a single device. This streamlined approach not only maintains a clean streetscape but also improves enforcement by providing clear, visible payment verification. The hybrid system ensures that both digital and traditional payment methods are available, benefiting all users.
Every Block is Different
When deciding where to place parking kiosks, cities must recognize that each block has its own unique characteristics. This may seem obvious, but it's often overlooked when new technologies like parking meters are deployed. Consider two blocks with distinct characteristics: one block (Block A) may feature scattered parking spaces serving local businesses and residences, while another (Block B) could have a continuous strip of spaces serving high-demand locations like restaurants and theaters.
BLOCK A BLOCK B
Block A. A few spaces spread over a long distance, with relatively constant demand.
Block B. A long strip of several parking spaces with fluctuating demand, influenced by time of day and week.
Even if both blocks have similar average paid usage, their parking demand patterns—such as volume, occupancy, and peak hours—differ significantly. These factors affect how parking meters should be placed to maximize efficiency. Block length, curbside utilization, and the number of spaces all play a role in determining where MSMs should be installed. Prioritizing which blocks should receive MSMs first is also crucial for effective implementation.
Measuring Convenience
While revenue, productivity, and cost savings are common goals, customer convenience is a critical factor in measuring success. The placement of MSMs significantly impacts how convenient parking is for drivers.
Maintaining short queues at multi-space meters, for instance, is essential for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free parking experience. Long lines can lead to frustration, causing delays and unnecessary stress for drivers. By placing the appropriate number of meters on a block, cities can improve the overall parking experience. This not only enhances the overall experience for drivers but also helps prevent the risk of receiving incorrect parking tickets due to wait times or confusion at crowded meters. Factors that can lead to queuing are highlighted in the table below.
In Indianapolis, the owner of a pizza shop worried that unusually long lines at a MSM on Mass Ave. made it difficult for potential customers to park. The operator, ParkIndy, confirmed this by examining the length of time between transactions at the MSM device, finding that there were multiple transactions within moments of each other during peak hours. To ease frustration and reduce unnecessary payment delays, ParkIndy added an additional MSM on the block. Keeping queues low ensures a more pleasant and efficient process for motorists, merchants, and parking enforcement, fostering a positive relationship between the public and the city's parking system.
Another risk to customer convenience is distance. The distance from one’s parking space to the meter can affect how much time it takes for a driver to make payment. If a meter is located in the middle of a 200-foot block, a driver parking at the far end might only need to walk 15 to 20 seconds. However, on a larger block, such as a 900-foot stretch in a busy urban area, the walk could take four to six times longer. This not only exposes the driver to adverse weather but could also lead to errors in parking enforcement. A shorter walk translates to a better experience for the driver, making convenience a key consideration in meter placement.
Using Data to Improve Placement
Factoring convenience into MSM placement requires the right data. To address this, Trellint’s data scientists built a platform that uses comparative data to prioritize blocks and identify optimal meter locations. This platform accounts for several factors, like:
Once a block is identified as a prime candidate for an MSM, we evaluate the street layout and transaction history for each space. Too often, MSMs are placed in the center of blocks based on the assumption that demand is uniform across spaces (see Exhibit 1 below). However, demand often varies based on factors like proximity to attractions or shade from trees. By considering these nuances, Trellint helps cities optimize MSM placement, minimizing payment time and improving user experience (as shown in Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3).
Governing with Data
While data offers valuable insights, it may not always provide all the answers. Cities must balance data-driven decisions with community needs. For example, placing an MSM at one end of a block might be optimal from a data perspective but could disrupt local businesses or create accessibility challenges for people with disabilities. Local stakeholders' concerns should also be factored into the decision-making process.
Data is a powerful tool, but it's essential to find the right balance between efficiency and the needs of the community.
The Next Steps
As cities continue to modernize parking systems, data will play an increasingly important role in managing curb lane policies. By analyzing how parking affects congestion and access, cities can refine policies on hourly rates, time limits, and meter maintenance. Data-driven decisions will ensure parking operations evolve to meet the needs of both residents and city planners.
At Trellint, we not only help cities determine where to place MSMs but also optimize other aspects of curbside management, such as meter maintenance and collections. Our data-driven approach minimizes downtime, improves user experience, and reduces operational costs.
Contact Trellint Today
Ready to optimize parking meter placement and improve curbside management in your city? Let Trellint’s data-driven solutions guide the way. Reach out to schedule a consultation or demo and discover how we can work together to modernize your parking system.